The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike. This crucial decision was reached following an extensive overnight National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which concluded around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Professor Chris Piwuna, the ASUU National President, confirmed the development during a press briefing held in Abuja, stating that the union chose to suspend the industrial action to “reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians,” including students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who actively intervened in the dispute between ASUU and the federal government.

The warning strike, which had commenced on Monday, October 13, was declared by ASUU in protest against what it described as the federal government’s unsatisfactory response to a series of long-standing and critical issues affecting the Nigerian university system. Among the core demands articulated by the union was the urgent conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement. Additionally, ASUU demanded the immediate release of withheld salaries, specifically highlighting three and a half months' salaries, along with outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, which in some cases spanned over four years of promotion arrears.

Further demands included the provision of sustainable funding for the revitalisation of public universities, which ASUU considers vital for academic quality and infrastructural development. The union also called for the release of withheld third-party deductions, such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues, which are essential for its internal operations and member welfare. A significant point of contention was also the demand to end what ASUU termed the victimisation of its members, specifically citing lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

During the press briefing, Professor Piwuna acknowledged that "useful engagements" had indeed taken place with government representatives concerning the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. He noted that while progress had been made, "a lot more work is still required" to fully address the union's comprehensive demands. The NEC’s resolution to suspend the warning strike was largely influenced by the government's demonstrated willingness to return to the negotiation table, fostering optimism within ASUU that both parties can make meaningful progress towards resolving the union’s core demands and ensuring stability in the university system.